FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw: Exciting Matchups Await
The recent FA Cup quarter-final draw has generated a buzz, particularly as it features the only remaining Championship team facing a significant challenge at home against Aston Villa. Preston North End secured their place in the last eight with an impressive victory over Burnley in the fifth round, but the visit from Unai Emery’s side to Deepdale will undoubtedly test their mettle.
In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United’s elimination via a penalty shootout against Fulham leaves Manchester City as the sole representative from the traditional Premier League “Big Six” in this year’s competition. This sets the stage for an exciting quarter-final round.
Last season’s runners-up, Manchester City, are set to clash with Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth, a match that holds historical significance for the Cherries, who have yet to reach the semi-finals in their storied history. Pep Guardiola’s squad had to overcome an early scare against Plymouth to secure their quarter-final spot, ultimately winning 3-1.
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion are on the hunt to reach their third FA Cup semi-final in seven years following a controversial victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park. The match saw both Anthony Gordon and Tariq Lamptey receive red cards, while a late goal by Fabian Schar was disallowed due to a marginal offside detected by semi-automated technology. Danny Welbeck’s extra-time goal has positioned Brighton to face either Nottingham Forest or Ipswich Town, with that matchup set for Monday evening.
Adding to the excitement, the final tie of the quarter-finals features a London derby between Fulham and Crystal Palace. Both teams are vying for glory in a competition neither has previously won, with Fulham’s last appearance in the final dating back to 1975. Crystal Palace advanced after a tense encounter with Millwall, which was marked by a dangerous flying kick from Liam Roberts on Jean-Philippe Mateta early in the match. Goals from Japhet Tanganga (own goal), Daniel Munoz, and Eddie Nketiah propelled the Eagles into this next stage.
Fulham, who had not triumphed over Manchester United in the FA Cup since 1908, managed to navigate a chaotic match to prevail in the penalty shootout. Calvin Bassey’s goal just before half-time put Marco Silva’s team ahead, but Bruno Fernandes equalized midway through the second half. Missed penalties from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee ultimately cost United dearly, ending their hopes of defending their title and increasing the likelihood of a new name being etched onto the trophy in May.
FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw in Full
Matches scheduled for the weekend of 29 March
- Fulham vs Crystal Palace
- Preston vs Aston Villa
- Bournemouth vs Manchester City
- Brighton vs Nottingham Forest/Ipswich
